Indulge yourself with this luscious Venezuelan Quesillo, a smooth and creamy custard infused with a hint of vanilla and optional rum. The rich caramel base adds a touch of elegance, making this dessert a delightful treat for any occasion.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water.
Stir gently until the sugar has dissolved, then increase the heat slightly.
Allow the syrup to bubble until it reaches a light amber hue, keeping a watchful eye as it can easily burn.
Once it has achieved the desired color, remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent bitterness.
Pour the caramel into your chosen mold and allow it to cool and harden.
Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C), positioning a rack in the center.
Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, combine the eggs, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, vanilla extract, and rum if using.
Process quickly until smooth and well-mixed.
Pour the blended mixture over the cooled caramel in the mold.
Cover with a lid or aluminum foil.Place the filled mold in a larger, shallow baking dish and create a water bath by adding enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the mold.
Carefully transfer to the preheated oven.
Bake the Quesillo:
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (the center may still wobble slightly but will set as it cools).
Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight for best flavor.
To unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the Quesillo and invert onto a large, slightly deep plate to catch the caramel.